Celebrating National Read Across America Day On March 2nd: Dr. Seuss Birthday

 More than just an annual celebration of books - it's a day to encourage kids, families, and educators to embrace the joy of reading.

Held each year on March 2nd in honor of Dr. Suess's birthday, this event inspires children nationwide to pick up a book and dive into a world of adventure, imagination, and learning.

Reading is fundamental to learning. By developing reading skills, children not only improve their literacy, but also gain the ability to think critically, solve problems, and understand different perspectives. In fact, studies show that children who read regularly tend to perform better academically and have enhanced cognitive abilities.

Celebrating Dr. Suess and His Impact on Reading

Dr. Suess, also known as, Theodor Seuss Geisel, was an American author and illustrator who revolutionized children's literature with his whimsical characters, playful language, and unforgettable rhymes. Books like The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and Horton Hears a Who! have inspired children to read for decades.

Dr. Suess's unique approach to storytelling captivates children's attention and makes reading feel exciting rather than a chore. On National Read Across America Day, schools and libraries across the country often focus on reading Dr. Suess's books, as a way to honor his legacy and encourage children to develop a love of reading. The day is filled with special events, reading sessions, and activities based on his books, making it a perfect occasion for both fun and learning.

National Read Across America Day

National Read Across America Day, organized by the National Education Association (NEA), celebrates the importance of reading and promotes literacy across all age groups. Schools, libraries, and communities across the county host events like reading sessions, book fairs, and special activities that encourage children to develop a love for books. The event not only improves literacy skills but also fosters creativity, imagination, and critical thinking.

The Importance of National Read Across America Day

National Read Across America Day isn't just about reading books - it's about inspiring children to discover the magic of reading and to foster lifelong reading habits. The celebration aims to cultivate a love for reading, stimulate young imaginations, and support literacy across all age groups. From picture books to chapter books, reading introduces children to new worlds, improves vocabulary, and strengthens cognitive development.

How to Celebrate National Read Across America Day

Celebrating National Read Across America Day can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here are a few fun and creative ways to participate:

1. Host a Reading Party

Whether you're in a classroom or at home, you can host a reading party! Gather a group of children and read aloud from their favorite books. You could read classic Dr. Suess books or explore other fun, age-appropriate literature. To make it more exciting, encourage children to dress up as their favorite book characters or authors and have a mini costume parade.

2. Create a Reading Challenge

Turn National Read Across America Day into a fun reading challenge! Set a goal for how many books or pages kids should read throughout the day. Offer rewards or certificates to those who corner with cozy blankets, pillows, and lots of books to entice kids to dive into their reading materials.

3. Invite Guest Speakers

One way to engage children in reading is to bring in special guest readers. Teachers, parents, or community members can volunteer to read books aloud to children. It could even be fun to invite local celebrities or community leaders to join in! This gives children the opportunity to see that reading is something everyone values, regardless of age or profession.

4. Interactive Activities and Crafts

Bring the books to life with activities and crafts! After reading a book, encourage children to participate in a craft that relates to the story. For example, if you're reading The Cat in the Hat, you could have a craft station where kids make their own silly hats. If you're reading a book about animals, create a scavenger hunt with animal-themed clues. This allows children to connect with the story in a hands-on way, which makes the experience even more memorable.

5. Storytime with Audiobooks

For a modern twist on reading, consider listening to an audiobook! Audiobooks allow children to enjoy a story while participating in activities like drawing, building, or stretching. This is a great option for busy families or classrooms with multiple activities. Audiobooks provide the same literacy benefits as reading a physical book and allow children to experience the world of stories in a new way.

What are Fitness Finders Reading Tokens?

The Fitness Finders Reading Tokens are a great way to make reading even more engaging by rewarding students with tokens or badges when they accomplish certain reading milestones. Put a twist on The Fitness Finders Reading Tokens program by combining it with a fitness challenge to keep things fun and a way to keep kids active while they read. As kids complete certain reading milestones - like finishing a chapter, a book, or a specific genre - they collect "reading tokens."

2024 Kids Books for Your Summer Reading List

 

In this article, we prepared a list of books to inspire kids to embrace friendship, overcome obstacles, seek adventure, and fitness, and be outside. Like our company Fitness Finders, these books highlight the joy of staying active, encourage physical health, and foster a love for the outdoors and a spirit of adventure.

The Best Worst Camp Out Ever

A boy and his father go on a camping trip where everything goes wrong! Or does it?

Recommended for kids aged: 4 - 8

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Running in Flip Flops From the End of the World

When 12-year-old Eddie Gordon Holloway and his friends are left home from Beach Bash, aka the greatest party of the year, only to realize that everyone in town has disappeared without a trace, they do what any smart, responsible kids would do...have the best day ever!

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, Scholastic

Schnozzer & Tatertoes: Take a Hike!

Two best-friend dogs, Schnozzer (the smart one) and Tatertoes (the cheerful one), set off into the forest on a journey to visit Tatertoes’s mom. Along their adventure, they encounter bees, bears, quicksand, characters from fairy tales, something called “nose spiders,” and lots of yo-yo action.

Recommended for kids aged: 7 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

A Rover’s Story

Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name.

Res was built to explore Mars. He was not built to have human emotions. But as he learns new things from the NASA scientists who assemble him, he begins to develop human-like feelings. Maybe there’s a problem with his programming….

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 12

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

The BFG

The BFG is the story of a giant who isn't as swollomping as other giants. In fact, he's rather friendly. 

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 12

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

A humble house painter is sent a male penguin by the great Admiral Drake and, thanks to the arrival of a female penguin, soon has twelve penguins living in his house.

Recommended for kids aged: 6 - 9

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Stone Fox

Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. Little Willy is determined to win the National Dogsled Race—the prize money would save the farm and his grandfather. But he isn't the only one who desperately wants to win. 

Recommended for kids aged: 8 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

The Hundred Dresses

Wanda Petronski is ridiculed by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day. She claims she has one hundred dresses at home, but everyone knows she doesn’t. When Wanda is pulled out of school one day, the class feels terrible, and classmate Maddie decides that she is "never going to stand by and say nothing again."

Recommended for kids aged: 7 - 10

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

An ancient book is opened by the eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his life - and the life of his nephew Axel - is changed for ever. An old piece of paper has tumbled from the book, a priceless parchment that will lead them on a terrifying journey to find what lies at the center of the Earth.

Recommended for kids aged: 11 - 13

Purchase from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target

Fun Reading Activities for Kids: National Reading Month

March is a special month that brings the joy of reading into the spotlight - it's National Reading Month! This time of year is perfect for encouraging the young readers in your life to explore new worlds, go on adventures, and discover the magic that books have to offer.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, there are countless ways to make reading fun and engaging for children.

In this article, we'll dive into some creative and enjoyable reading activities that are sure to kindle a love for reading in kids of all ages.

5 Fun Reading Activities for Kids

1. Start a Book Club for Kids

One of the best ways to make reading a social and enjoyable activity is to start a book club. Gather a group of kids who are at similar reading levels and choose books that cater to their interests. You can meet weekly or monthly to discuss the books, share thoughts, and engage in activities related to the story. This not only enhances comprehension skills but also builds social connections through shared experiences. 

2. Create a Reading Reward Program

Motivation plays a key role in encouraging kids to read more. Setting up a reading rewards program can be an exciting way for kids to track their progress and get rewarded for their efforts. Websites like Fitness Finders offer fantastic resources for creating a rewards system. Whether it's earning a badge for every book read or achieving milestones for a certain number of pages, these tangible rewards can significantly boost their enthusiasm for reading.

3. Dive Into Interactive Reading Apps

In this digital age, interactive reading apps can be a wonderful supplement to traditional reading. These apps often include stories with animations, sound effects, and interactive elements that make reading a more immersive experience. By combining technology with education, kids can enjoy the process of learning to read and improve their literacy skills in a fun and engaging way.

4. Host a Book-Theme Party

Imagine the excitement of bringing a favorite book to life! Hosting a book-themed party can be a fantastic way to celebrate reading. Choose a beloved book and organize activities, games, and crafts based on its theme. From a magical Harry Potter evening to an adventurous Percy Jackson day, the possibilities are endless. 

This not only makes reading fun but also allows kids to express their creativity and imagination.

5. Encourage Creative Writing

Reading and writing go hand in hand. Encouraging kids to write their own stories can enhance their understanding and appreciation of literature. Provide prompts or story starters related to the books they're reading, and let their imagination run wild. This not only improves their writing skills but also helps them to think critically about the stories they read.

Making Reading a Joyful Adventures

As we celebrate National Reading Month, let's remember that the goal is to instill a lifelong love of reading in children. By incorporating fun reading activities, we can transform reading from a solitary task into a joyful and shared adventure.

Engaging in activities like starting a book club, creating a reading rewards program, exploring interactive reading apps or audiobooks, hosting book-themed parties, and encouraging creative writing can make a significant difference in how children perceive reading. It's about making reading an enjoyable part of their lives, something they look forward to every day.

Reading opens doors to new worlds, ideas, and possibilities. It's a skill that not only contributes to academic success but also to personal growth and empathy. 

As we explore these fun reading activities, let's also remind ourselves of the importance of being role models. Showing kids that reading is a valued and enjoyable part of our own lives can be one of the most powerful motivators. 

In the spirit of National Reading Month, let's challenge ourselves and the kids in our lives to read more, explore more, and imagine more. After all, every book is a new adventure waiting to be discovered. Happy reading!

Don't forget to check out Fitness Finders for more resources to make reading fun and rewarding for kids.

A Reading Teachers' Motivational Tool

An Interview with Tina Slater, a Special Education Teacher

Name: Tina Slater

Position Title: Special Education Teacher

Grades: Fourth and Fifth Grades

School Name: Onsted Elementary School

Years Teaching: 27 years

Current Subjects: Reading, Math and Writing

How do you use tokens from Fitness Finders in your reading classroom?

In my reading resource classroom, students are awarded tokens after reading a leveled chapter book. Students are reading their chapter book for 10-15 minutes each day so it can take 8-12 days to complete a book. During reading, the student and I talk about the text and I listen to them read. When the book is complete, we meet to talk about the book and their reading success. During this time I present a token to commemorate their accomplishment. 

 

How do you choose which tokens to use?

When selecting the token to award, I try to match the token with the book the student has just completed. I have a variety of animals and objects to choose from. 

When students completed a book about Knights, I awarded them a key and a compass — which were two important objects from the Knights' Quest. They were thrilled! Sometimes it can be more difficult to make a match - in those cases, I may use the question mark token and make a connection with the predictions students made during reading or their use of expression when reading aloud. 

 

How do you distribute tokens?

Tokens are presented by me to students in a private ceremony. I actually make a big deal when presenting the token and make a mini-speech calling out the achievements the students made while reading the book and making connections between their reading success and the token. 

I am conferencing (video) with the student, but I am aware that others (family members) are listening. I try to call out as many positive reading behaviors as possible.

 

How do students display their tokens?

Students wear their tokens on lanyards during reading class (the laces from Fitness Finders). Each student selected their lanyard and the links (Lacelink) from the variety of colors and patterns Fitness Finders offers. 

When students aren’t wearing their necklaces they are displayed on hooks near our bookshelves. 

 

 

 Do you have a favorite token? 

I love all of the Animals! Our school mascot is the wildcat — so all of the cats and paws are a hit with my students. 

 

 How has this changed your classroom environment or impacted student motivation? 

Rewarding tokens has brought a bit more fun and provided a visual that represents student success.  I love it when I hear a student say, 

“I can’t believe I have read this much,” as they are putting on their necklace before class.

 

Can you share any stories or quotes from students while using tokens in your class?   

5th grader Emma said, 

“When we get rewarded with tokens, it just makes us want to read more and work harder. It makes everything more fun!”

 

Do you have any plans specifically for reading month?

During Reading Month, students will be earning double tokens and we will be celebrating Wildcats Read with drawings for extra tokens. I’ll also be taking pictures of students reading while wearing their token necklaces to send home with their progress reports in mid-March.

 

How To Read With Your Ears - Read Aloud and Audiobooks

Generally, when we think of reading, we think of words on pages or screens. But reading can be overwhelming, frustrating, and fatiguing. If your child’s eyes get tired, here are some ways to help them read with their ears. 

Read Books Aloud

Reading aloud is a common practice with younger children who can’t read on their own, but it can be a useful learning tool for older kids as well.

In her article, “7 Reasons Why Reading Aloud to Older Kids is Still Very Important,” Shannon Younger quotes Jim Trelease, author of the “Read-Aloud-Handbook.”Trelease said a child’s reading level does not match their listening skills until they reach 8th grade. For example, if you read a 7th-grade level book to a 5th-grade child, they can hear the words, understand the story, and comprehend the language. This will open them up to more intricate plots and put them on track to develop a love for reading, literature, and knowledge in general.

Trelease said reading aloud also benefits the children by giving them an opportunity to learn the benefits of analysis and critical thinking. Teachers can interrupt the story intermittently to prompt students with thought-provoking questions. 

Listen to Audiobooks

As another alternative, Melissa Taylor said in her blog, “6 Tips to Make Reading Fun, Not Frustrating,” that audiobooks are a legitimate way to pique children’s interest in reading. Taylor said audiobooks build vocabulary and provide exposure to narrative techniques. More importantly, it allows children to muse on the story itself, without being bogged down by the task of reading.

Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate audiobooks into daily life.

· If you have a long commute to school, listen to an audiobook during your drive. This will help stimulate the mind and could make children more excited to get in the car and go to school.

· Audiobooks are an excellent way for a whole family to enjoy a story on road trips. As a family, you will share in the thrills, mystery, suspense, fear, and humor.

· Audiobooks allow for creative multitasking. Occasionally, try taking an audiobook out on family walks through the park. Or even listen to one while you do chores.


As discussed in our colorful book diet blog, balance is key. Don’t forget about traditional reading methods, but have fun trying out these options with the children in your lives. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy reading with your ears.

The Importance of a Colorful Book Diet

Every student has a favorite genre. Some love adventure stories, others can’t put down mysteries, and some just want to read about their favorite baseball player. During March, National Reading Month, students are quick to grab their go-to genres to log minutes for class reading competitions and other motivational programs. Is this single genre tendency okay, or are students missing out on a more colorful reading experience?

Insight from a Nutritionist

“Whenever my family and I go to the nutritionist, the doctor always reminds us of the importance of a colorful food diet. It is the idea of getting reds (like tomatoes and red peppers), greens (like beans and broccoli), oranges (like carrots and sweet potatoes), and so on.” 

- Lissa Strodtbeck, (Fitness Finders Customer Service Representative and Marketing Associate) 

With the nutritionist’s message in mind and a little inspiration from Pinterest, Lissa began to transfer the concept of colorful eating to colorful reading.

Why Genre Variety?

Just like it is important to eat all different types of food, it is important to read a variety of genres.

“A variety of genres helps make kids critical thinkers. It is important to engage imagination in multiple ways, experience being in someone else’s shoes, and recognize the validity of someone else’s interest.” 

- Lissa Strodtbeck

According to the Huffington Post “How Kids Benefit From Reading A Variety Of Books,” genre variety benefits a child in several other important ways.

•  “More book variety grows their entire world” — This is the powerful work of stories in effect. Good storytellers can create worlds, and genre-specific writers create specific kinds of worlds. When children experience a variety of specific book worlds, their real world grows. 
• “Your child’s vocabulary will improve” — Each genre features language consistencies. The more children read, the greater the breadth of style they are exposed to.
• “Their must-read list is never ending” — With a variety of genres and ever-expanding interests, children will never be able to complain about having nothing to read. When they finish a mystery book, they are eager and ready to embark on a waiting adventure series. 

Reinforcing the Colorful Diet

Book tokens are a great way to encourage children to read a colorful variety of genres. Lissa said she assigned 11 book genres to specific token colors. Teachers can choose to award tokens at any interval appropriate for their class (ex. number of pages, number of minutes, or book completion).

No matter how much children like their favorite genre, give the extra effort to encourage them to discover different worlds and expand their growth potential. Encourage them to read the rainbow.

The Extinction of the Bookworms - Why You Should Keep Reading

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

My Gift from Roald Dahl and Mrs. Jones

One of my most cherished memories from elementary school is sitting around Mrs. Jones and hearing her read The Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl. I remember sitting on the edge of my seat, imagination soaring, and creeping closer while the pages turned. As the story went on, the plot thickened, and I started to notice that I was more excited for her to read the next chapter than I was for recess. 

Looking back now, it was her funny character voices and dedication to story-telling that sparked my love for words and books. Who would have thought that some unconventional teaching paired with the amazing story of an orphan who joins the fight against evil giants would influence me enough to keep studying literature in college?

Today, however, I’m nervous that this same love of reading and books is disappearing. Average reading levels continue going down and attention is constantly focused in so many different places. Here are just a few of the problems this is causing:

•  “Many states use third-grade reading scores to predict the number of jail cells they might need in the future (about three out of five prisoners in America are illiterate).”
•  Most people say libraries and bookstores are becoming extinct. It is even projected that they’ll be functionless by 2019.
• “It is estimated that the cost of illiteracy to businesses and the taxpayers is $20 billion per year.”
• “Children who have not developed some basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are 3 - 4 times more likely to drop out in later years.”
• “American high school students are reading books at 5th-grade-appropriate levels.”

Don’t Take it for Granted

Reading has always been and continues to be the backbone of support for our ability to learn. We can never learn enough and it feels good to pick up some new vocabulary words along the way.

Additionally, a good read can take us to new realms that we would have never thought of exploring. It’s easy to overlook, but we should appreciate the power and unity that books provide, as well as these other interesting ways that reading is beneficial:

• “Research conducted in 2009 at Mindlab International at the University of Sussex showed that reading was the most effective way to overcome stress, beating out old favorites”
•  Some studies show that reading will help keep the mind and memory sharper as we age and can even stop the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
• There are links to an increase in empathy and understanding of others when we read fiction.
• Reading will boost creativity and imagination as a good read will often take you to new places. 
• It makes more intelligent overall by increasing IQ scores as well as standard test scores. 
• “A study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that people who regularly read are much more likely to be engaged civically and culturally. Which means reading actually makes you win at life.”
• “If a child reads for 20 minutes every day, they are exposed to about 1.8 million words of text every year. That is 137 new words per minute!”

Reading That Changed History

On top of the benefits that I just listed, there are times when literacy has changed the course of history. For example, when Johannes Guttenberg invented his printing press, he substantially increased people’s ability to learn. Much like the internet now, his revolutionary idea brought more information to more people and changed the course of history. Here are some history-changing books as well:

1. The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx: In a time of deadly working conditions this book, “detailed a process for the working class to rise up and eliminate class struggles.”

2. The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine: “Paine’s book states that the government’s role is to protect the rights of its citizens, and when the government cannot do so, it should be overthrown. This book was written to defend the French Revolution and was an inspiration for democracy around the world.”

3. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe: “Written by a middle-aged, white woman in 1851, Uncle Tom’s Cabin has been credited for changing the views of slavery in the North and continues to serve as a reminder of the effects of slavery and other inhumane acts.”

Every Child Needs a Mrs. Jones

While there are many benefits to reading, there are also several that kids will get just from you reading to them. So, get the youngsters gathered around and they will start soaking up the awesome perks below. You might even inspire a few future English majors to carry on the new passion you’ve given them!

• “For every year you read with your child, average lifetime earnings increase by $50,000. You make a $250,000 gift to your child from birth to age 5 by reading aloud, just 20 minutes a day!”
• “If families read together for 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week, they get more than 121 hours of bonding time every year!” (Remember, classrooms are like families!)
•  You show them that you like reading and your positive example will lead them to enjoy it as well.
• It prepares kids for academic success by, “building their vocabulary, language and literacy skills, while improving concentration, curiosity and memory”
• You teach them life lessons because as stories go on and conflicts come about, you can talk through them and show them how to understand problems. 

Wow! Our Teacher is so Cool!

This is what you’ll be hearing a lot of when you try out these new reading techniques to make story time the best time of the day:

1. Take character roles: Bring those characters and the lessons they teach us into the room by giving each person a specific voice that you use throughout the story.

2. Break out of your shell: Sometimes it takes really getting into character and removing the fear of judgment to get a kid’s attention. We all know those kids who aren’t shy of anything and you shouldn’t be either!

3. Use illustrations: Providing illustrations can bring a story to the real world. For example, use maps, the book cover, and pictures of real places to do this.

4. Create a cozy reading area: When you’re uncomfortable, it can be nearly impossible to concentrate. Make sure the kids are comfy and can settle into your reading circle.

5. Let the kids help choose the books: Giving kids a few choices really makes them feel important and will increase their overall engagement. 

It’s Our Responsibility

By this point, you’re probably wondering why in the world a company called Fitness Finders is creating awareness, programs, and incentives to encourage reading. However, we see the value of supporting children and youth workers in all aspects of life. This is especially true with reading and the lack of it lately. 

So, keep taking advantage of your position as a role model, and never underestimate your influence on the growing minds around you. People like you truly inspire us to keep doing what we do. I may have never really received a physical gift from Roald Dahl or Mrs. Jones, but they gave me something that money could never buy. You have this same unique opportunity to change a life.

HAPPY READING!

If you’re interested in Roald Dahl like I am, you’ve probably heard about the new BFG movie. But if you haven’t, check out the trailer here and maybe even pick up a copy of the book to share with your kids.




Sources:

http://rossdawsonblog.com/weblog/archives/2007/10/extinction_time.html
https://www.kidcentraltn.com/article/benefits-of-reading-to-your-child
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/top-reading_n_1373680.html
http://www.readfaster.com/education_stats.asp
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/12/health-benefits-reading_n_4081258.html
http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/12-scientific-ways-reading-can-actually-improve-your-life#.lpLo6PpLMq
http://www.raisesmartkid.com/all-ages/1-articles/14-the-benefits-of-reading-to-your-child
http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/50_books_that_changed_the_world/